This week in Westminster- RLA campaign and media review: Saturday 13th October

As the week comes to a close, it is time to take a look at some of the big news stories affecting the private rented sector this week, including media coverage of the RLA’s campaigning work.

Two thirds of landlords with tenants on Universal Credit are owed rent arrears, research from our research arm PEARL reveals

On Friday, we revealed that 61% of landlords with tenants on Universal Credit have seen them go into rent arrears. This is up from 27 % in 2016, and the research found that on average Universal Credit tenants in rent arrears owed almost £2,400, a 49% increase compared to last year.

First announced in the Budget last year, this £20m Private Rented Sector (PRS) Access Fund is aimed at helping those who are faced with homelessness, to secure a tenancy. It is something that we campaigned fo together with the charity Crisis. The scheme will be used to help establish or expand council schemes, to guide people into sustainable tenancies in the private rented sector. It is modelled on evidence provided from the successful programme run by Crisis which supported schemes to help homeless people into thousands of private rental tenancies.

Speaking about the introduction of the scheme, our Policy Director David Smith said: ““We strongly welcome the formal launch of the Government’s access fund, as announced in the Budget last year and campaigned for by the RLA and Crisis. Homeless tenants face the most difficult financial pressures which this funding could play an important part in addressing, whether it’s support to provide a deposit or ensure rent payments are made. Such funding however needs to be matched by an ambitious programme to see more homes of every tenure developed. This includes homes for private rent.” Read more about this here.

RLA writes to Home Secretary calling for Home Office to provide hard copy documents to EU citizens, proving their status in the UK post-Brexit

Department of Work and Pensions announce new telephone service, making it easier for landlords to speak to claim handler.

This week, the DWP informed the RLA of a new telephone system, which will get a landlord straight through to the claimant’s Case Manager providing the tenant is happy for them to contact DWP on their behalf and gives their ‘explicit consent’. This new phone system will act as an alternative to the national UC helpline number, and will cut down on waiting times. It should help to keep consistency with queries as you and your tenant should only be dealing directly with their Case Manager. Learn more about this here.

Report by Conservative thinktank, Onward reveals tax relief proposals

This week, the Conservative Think Tank, ‘Onward’revealed proposals for the tax relief to encourage landlords to sell to sitting tenants – and offer longer leases. It says the government should introduce a 50% capital gains tax exemption, or ‘Landlord Sales Relief’, on existing rental properties that are sold to tenants who have lived in a property for three or more years continuously. We have long called for tax incentives for landlords in these circumstances, and although this weeks proposals are not exactly what the association outlined in its proposals, it has cautiously welcomed the news. You can read more about why this is the case here

RLA Wales calls for a simplified housing tribunal service in Wales during main stage debate at Plaid Cymru party conference

At the weekend, our Vice-Chair and Director for Wales Douglas Haig took part in a panel discussion on the main stage at the Plaid Cymru party conference. During the debate, Mr Haig reiterated the RLA’s call for a simplified housing tribunal service in Wales, adding that this would result in greater access to justice for both landlords and tenants. You can read more about the panel debate here.

Further media coverage this week

You can read more of the RLA’s media coverage from the past week below.

About the author

Victoria Barker

Victoria is the Communications Officer for the RLA.

She is responsible for producing articles for our Campaigns and News Centre, the weekly E-News newsletter and media review, and creating social media content. She also contributes to our members magazine, Residential Property Investor.

About Author

Victoria Barker

Victoria is the Communications Officer for the RLA.

She is responsible for producing articles for our Campaigns and News Centre, the weekly E-News newsletter and media review, and creating social media content. She also contributes to our members magazine, Residential Property Investor.